Fake child kidnapping in South LA? Cops say Amber Alert mom lied

A woman stands accused of falsely reporting to police that her Toyota Camry was carjacked in South Los Angeles with her 16-year-old son inside, triggering an Amber Alert.

Charlene Gaston told police that her black 2014 Camry was carjacked at gunpoint around 4 p.m. last Thursday at 47th and Figueroa streets, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Gaston identified a 31-year-old acquaintance as the suspect. But as it turned out, Gaston had lent her car to the woman, who refused to return the vehicle after having it for several days, police alleged Tuesday.

Detectives learned “there was no carjacking, nor was there a minor child involved at any time,” according to an LAPD statement. “Gaston’s motive behind the false report is unknown, but it is believed she simply wanted to create a scenario that would warrant a police response. Her false claim led to numerous police resources being utilized, as well as the issuance of a statewide Amber Alert.”

Gaston was arrested on Friday and booked on suspicion of filing a false police report, according to the LAPD.

Police announced Friday evening that the woman who had borrowed the car had been located, along with the vehicle, in San Bernardino.

–City News Service